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Solutions for heavy menses found with your Chicago, IL OBGYN

Heavy menses is our term for heavy menstrual bleeding. Due to the fact that every woman's cycle is unique, it may be difficult to determine just how much menstrual bleeding is too much. The standard guideline physician's use to classify heavy menses is the soaking of a tampon or pad (or both) over one to two hours during the menstrual cycle.

Abnormally heavy bleeding such as this can pose an enormous obstacle to quality living. Many women find that their schedule becomes dictated by their period. It is more appealing to simply forego social events than to face potential embarrassment if bleeding becomes excessive at an inopportune time. In addition to the emotional toll of heavy menses, our Chicago, IL patients also need to be aware of the health consequences of abnormally heavy menstrual bleeding.

Women chronically affected heavy menses, also called menorrhagia, are at an increased risk of low iron, or anemia. Depending on the severity of blood loss, a woman's overall volume may be affected and she may experience symptoms such as severe fatigue, shortness of breath, and heart palpitations. In some cases, hospitalization may be necessary to relieve these side effects.

While there are certain lifestyle remedies suggested for heavy menses, the physicians of Northwestern Women's Health Associates, S.C. encourage patients to Request an appointment and examination before attempting to treat heavy menses on their own. Professional medical care typically seeks to remedy this problem in the most conservative manner, using medical therapies before considering surgical intervention.

Evaluation will involve a history and examination. It will also often include an ultrasound and may include a sonohystogram, where fluid is injected into the uterus. A uterine sampling may also be needed.

Some of the treatments that may be considered for heavy menses include:
  • Oral contraceptives, which may improve symptoms up to 60 percent.
  • Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories, better known as ibuprofen, have been shown to reduce the flow of blood an average of 30 percent. Other options include advil or aleve.
  • A specific intrauterine device by Mirena containing levonorgestrel has been approved for the treatment of heavy menstrual bleeding.
Additional medications exist for the short-term treatment of heavy menses and may be recommended as needed. There are also options for minimally invasive procedures such as endometrial ablation, uterine artery embolization, hysteroscopy, myomectomy, hysterectomy, considered based on the cause of heavy menstrual bleeding and the individual patient's long term goals as they relate to conception.

The physician team at Northwestern Women's Health Associates, S.C. has a wealth of knowledge and practical experience handing a variety of reproductive issues. Request your consultation by calling .

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your unique needs are our highest priority.

Making use of advanced technology and staying on the cutting edge of women’s healthcare, our team of experts is dedicated to providing every woman who visits our office with the highest level of sensitive, specialized care. At our office in Chicago, you can receive exceptional obstetrics and gynecology (OBGYN) services from any one of our highly skilled doctors, including Stanley Friedell, MD; Abbie Roth, MD; Regina Belmonte, MD; Sharon Wise, MD; Julianne Morton, MD; Whitney Dunn, MD; Aleena Lakhanpal, MD; Margaret Kistner, MD; and Brandon Anhalt, MD. With their combined expertise, this team of board-certified doctors at Northwestern Women's Health Associates makes it possible for you to receive efficient, personalized care from the preeminent women’s hospital in the Midwest.

Success Stories

  • 5 Star Review
    "Wonderful experience with Dr. Julianne Morton @ NW Women's Associates. I've recommended her to countless girlfriends. Being a first time mom, I went through many physical symptoms and emotions that accompany pregnancy. She is extremely thorough, patient, and has wonderful bedside manner. I felt confident going into delivery with Dr. Morton taking the lead with my delivery. Wonderful practice!"

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    "Dr. Morton is absolutely amazing. She cared for me throughout my first pregnancy and we found her to be kind and caring and straightforward - could not have asked for a better experience! Dr. Dunn ended up being on call during my delivery and she was great as well. I have always found the nurses and office staff to be friendly and on top of things - very happy with the practice!"

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    "I had to have a laproscopic hysterectomy done by Dr. Friedell and all went fabulously! They were very detailed in pre-op which made a lot of difference. I came out of surgery feeling great and post op I was back to work within two weeks. Everyone at the practice, at the hospital, at pre-op were incredible."

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  • 5 Star Review
    "Dr.Julianne Morton is amazing! I was recommended by a friend when I moved to the Chicago area and was looking for an OB-GYN. I have seen her for two years in Chicago for my yearly exam. She is beyond kind and great at what she does. Dr.Morton makes you feel very comfortable and is such an incredible doctor! I have recommended her to all of my friends as well who need a new gyno/OB-GYN."

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    "Dr. Morton is a really great doctor. She has an incredible bedside manner and makes you feel comfortable. She makes sure to ask if you have any questions and will happily answer all of them with you. Would highly recommend!"

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    "Dr. Friedell is amazing! He helped delivered my first baby and the whole process was super smooth and stress free. All the staff in the office are super friendly too. Highly recommend!"

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    "Dr Freidell is extremely knowledgeable, thorough and really cares about his patients. He is very good at getting to the root of the problem, especially with overlapping symptoms. He guided me through all my options and their implications. I will highly recommend him and his team."

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    "I love Dr. Belmonte. I have been going to her since 2006! She rocks!!! She is straight to the point, I love that about her. When I leave her office after seeing her I always feel great, like a just left a good friends house or something!"
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  • 5 Star Review

    "I can not tell you how wonderful my experiences have been. Dr. Sharon Wise is my doctor and she is fantastic. She is straightforward and honest about treatments and procedures. I enjoy her sense of humor, and I found her bedside manner when delivering my son to be excellent. "

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